Connecting link for shock absorbers



Aug. 23, R A LE S CONNECTING LINK FOR SHOCK ABSORBERS Filed May 1, 1930 Patented Aug. 23, 1932 omen STATES arf- ROBERT HERMAN .AHLERS, or DAYTON, oH'Io, AsszGNon TO Iinnoornonuors oonro RATION, on DAYTON, OHIO, A CORPORATION OFJDVELAXVARE i CONNECTING LINK non snoox'nnsoannns Application filed May 1,

This invention relates to improvements in motion transmitting devices. It is among the objects of the present in vention to provide a motion transmitting 5 device or link, havingswivel joints at its ends.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a motion transmitting link of sim ple structure and design, capable of being produced commercially at a minimum expense.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawing wherein a preferred embodiment of onefo-rm of the present invention is clearly shown.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side View. of a vehicle chassis having the new device applied thereto. The road wheels of the vehicle have been omitted for the sake of clearness.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal, sectional view taken along the line 22 of Fig. 3. V

Fig. 3 is a View in elevation of Fig. 2, taken in the direction of the arrow 3.

Referring to the drawing, the numeral 20 designates the frame of a vehicle which is supported upon the axle 21 by springs 22.

The frame 20 is shown supporting a double-acting hydraulic shock absorber 23, having an operating arm 24.

The shock absorber 23 is adapted to control the approaching and separating movements between the frame 20 and axle 21 and therefore must be connected with the axle. In

the present instance a link 25 is provided, one end of which is swivelly secured to the operating arm 24 of the shock absorber, the other end of which is swivelly attached to a bracket 26, which in turn is anchored to the axle 21 by a clamping member 27.

In the present invention the link 25 is a tubular formation of sheet metal, having abuttin edges forming an open seam 40.

General y in tubular links the seam thereof is welded together. Inthe present invention the expense of welding the seam is eliminated. r 9 Both ends of the link being the same, only 1930. Serial No. 448,941.

one thereof Will be described, for heatre of g brevity. V

The link 25 has an enlarged tubular end I formation 37, providing a curved, interior,

annular shoulder 38.

threads 39 are provided on its exterior surface. An opening 41' is provided on the side Adjacent the-Outer end: ofthe enlarged tubul Portion 37, screw of the' enlarge'd tubular end 3?", saidopening V having a stub shaft '42 extendingtherethrough. The end of the stub shaft extend inginto the enlarged tubular portion37 is The bearing material 44 surrounds the spherical surface of the ballball-shaped as at 43.

shaped end 43 of the stub shaft 42, said bearing material preferablypbeingof a flexible,

fibrous character which, by pressure, may

adapt itself to the formation 'ofthe ballendl flange.

which engages the bearing material on one 1 side of the ball end 43. As the cap is screwed upon the tubular end 37, the concave,

surface 59 of the cap 55 will engage the hearing material on one side of the ball end o and urge the ball end toward the curved shoulder 38 within the tubular link thus can I 55 urges and maintains the ball end 43 and its surrounding bearing material 44 in proper,

position within the link.

Cap 55 not only maintains the ball end shaft in proper position within thelink, but it also provides a surrounding reinforcement member about the tubular end 37, substantially preventing spreading of the open seam 40 therein.

@ep 5 i 57, present screw threads,

It may readily be seen that applicant has I provided a comparatively cheap, yet sturdy and efficient link production costs being re: duced inasmuch as welding is entirely eliminated.

While the form of embodiment of the present invention as herein disclosed, constitutes a preferred form, it is to be understood that other forms might be adopted, all coming Within the scope of the claims which follow. 7 What is claimed is as folloWs:

1. A motion transmitting device comprising, in combination, a tubular member formed from sheet metal and having an open, longitudinal seam;- an enlarged tubular end on said member, having a side opening, said enlarged end forming a curved, annular shoulder; a ball end stub shaft extending into the enlarged tubular endl through its-side opening; bearingsmat'erial surroundingthe w ball end of the stub shaft, and a cap screwthreaded about the enlarged end of thetubular member, having a central, concavedportion forming a socket which engages the bearing material on one: side of the" hall end and urges said' ball end with its bearing mate rial. into proper position'upon the shoulder ithin the tubular. member, said cap. acting as'a clamp about the open seamed tubular member substantially preventing the spread-- ing, thereof.

21 motion transmitting device comprising in combination, at-ubular member formedv from. sheet. metal and ha'ving anopen, longitudinal seam; an enlarged tubular end on i said member, having aside opening, said enlarged end" forming a curved, annular .shoullder'; a ball endv stub shaft extending into the enlarged tubular end through its side opening, flexible bearing material fitting about the spherical surface of the stub shaft one side thereof engaging the annular "shoulder in the tubular member; a cap having, an interiorly'threaded annular flange fitting about the tubular member, said cap having a central portion providing a concaved surface for engaging one slde of'th'e v 7 bearing, material and urging it and-the ball nature s end of the stub shaft into proper position Within the tubular member, said cap also re inforcing the tubular member substantially to prevent spreading of the open seam thereof. 7 I

In testimony whereof I hereto afiix my sig- 'RQBER HERMAN AHLERS, 

